Page 79 of Hot Stuff
“Damn. Any chance you need an in-house agent?”
Laughing I lower my eyes back to my notepad. “You’ll be my first call if we do.”
“Always wanted to live somewhere warm,” is Drake’s reply.
Grinning, I keep my head down and get back to lining up all the information I have on Kristina Bancroft’s many and varied rendezvous with several people either in or connected to the NHL.
“Here. Should I read it before you?” Walker places his contract in front of Drake.
“You can’t sign it yet and I’ve never steered you wrong on a contract before.”
“True. True.” Walker pulls out a chair but before he sits, asks, “Anyone need a top up, some food? Should I order in something for lunch?”
I note the time and consider how full I am from our breakfast with Shelby. “I’m good for food but maybe put another pot of coffee on in about ten minutes.”
“I’ll pass on the coffee, but I’ll take a glass of cold water,” Drake murmurs distractedly.
Walker leaves to fulfill Drake’s request and I finish logging dates and names from the PI’s report on Kristina when my phone rings.
I stare at the device as it vibrates on the table.
“You should answer it.”
I look at Drake. “I’m not sure I’m ready yet. I need to get a few things straight in my head first.”
“Okay, let it go to voicemail then…” He trails off as it does exactly that.
“I don’t want them in charge of the announcement. Or at least I don’t want them doing it without KAW there.”
“So don’t let them. Ask for a joint press conference. Make it seem as though you’re deferring to them but nudge them in the direction you want to go. Do you have anything ready to go?”
“We do. And I may have a way to get the league to agree with my timeline too.”
“Oh?”
“Cami, KAW’s fourth. Her father owns the FNB Network. I can get access to their New York station. Hijack the seven o’clock sports news maybe.”
“Do it. If you can give them a time and a place before they even suggest doing a press conference or release, you’ll be in control.”
Grinning at Drake, I say, “I really do like you.”
“Hey, I was being serious about the job.”
“I might just take you up on it.”
Walker comes back with iced water for all of us. “Called Rafe. Told him shit was going down with the league and Cantrell was in the middle of it. Didn’t tell him what, just said Cantrell had leaked some info he shouldn’t have to Drake, who called a league contact.”
He flops into a chair and leans back, arm crossed over his chest. The position shouldn’t get me going but there’s no denying the simmer of lust popping in my veins.
“We’re getting married.” It’s not a question. I know the words are true and saying them out loud makes them more so. Not to mention the smile it puts on my face.
“Damn straight, we are.” He unfolds his arms and leans toward me. “As soon as we fix this cluster, we’ll get to work organizing the wedding. Do you want a big one?”
“No. I like Drake’s idea.”
“Vegas?”
“Maybe. I need to call Pa.” Shit. I forgot about getting the jet ready for Nat and Blake.
